Supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Kano State, demanding the immediate release or arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, over what they described as prolonged detention without trial.
The demonstrators, including members of coalition groups and the El-Rufai Support Group, converged at the ADC state office in Kano carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for justice for the former governor. They urged authorities to release him so he could reunite with his family and continue observing the Ramadan fast.
Speaking during the protest, a leader of the El-Rufai Support Group and ADC member, Al’amin Nuraddeen Amin, said the rally was organised to draw public attention to the situation surrounding the former governor’s detention.
“We organised this peaceful protest to express our concern over the continued detention of Malam Nasir El-Rufai without being taken to court,” Amin said. “We are calling on the ICPC to either charge him before a competent court immediately or release him.”
He added that the group may consider legal action against the anti-graft agency if the situation continues.
Also addressing the protesters, the Deputy Chairman of the SDP in Kano State, Usaini Maidawa Gabasawa, said the demonstration was meant to show solidarity with El-Rufai and emphasise the need for due process.
“Our demand is simple: either release him or charge him in court in accordance with the law,” Gabasawa stated.
In the same vein, the Kano State Chairman of the ADC, Musa Sha’aibu Ungoggo, criticised the continued detention of the former governor by security agencies, describing it as a violation of due process.
“As far as we know, security agencies have not officially disclosed any offence against him,” Ungoggo said.
He added that opposition parties would intensify political efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the protesters, El-Rufai had earlier presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16 following an invitation by the anti-graft agency. He was reportedly later handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) and is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The demonstrators reiterated their demand that authorities either release the former governor or promptly arraign him in court in line with the rule of law.
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